Good place to stay if your are there on a short weekend trip. Lots of places to shop, eat (lots of halal places and there's even a stall that makes Malaysian food for anyone who get a craving for teh tarik and roti cannai, what a waste though cause there are so many different options out there and all the Tom Yam you can eat!). But most of all do abuse on the massages! The beach is OK, for better beaches in Phuket it's better to head to Karon beach but not worth it if you are there looking for various choices of food and entertainment. Patong beach is still the best place to stay if you don't intend to spend your days lazing around on the beach and getting stuck with the same expensive hotel food and the same people in the evenings! Also if you are looking to buy a painting (lots of tiny shops that do reproductions and you can even get them to paint something specific for you if you are there for more than 3 days), head out to the shops in the morning and try to be one of the first customers, you can ask for a 'Morning Price!', bargin people, bargin!!!! :D

Love it here the most. If you travel to travel make sure you go to Phi Phi Island , I have never seen anything as beautiful in all the countries I have been too. Thai people are great. If anyone tells you that Thailand is the same as Bali they do not know what they are taking about. I have been to Bali and would never go back again. Thailand is a culture shock to some but a experience they will never forget.

I have been there, but beaches and diving are not what I do. I did some sailing(on the Junk that was in one of the James Bond Movies), rode elephants in the jungle, and such. See also my Blog

http://www.geckogo.com/Blog/103704543/Craigs-snaps/Escape-from-Thailand-/

Loved it! One of the nicest places I visited on my trip. Used Scuba Cat for my diving. The water was beautiful with lots of sea life. The people are friendly and make you feel welcome. Bartering is a way of life there in the shops so don't be afraid to negotiate.

Beautiful beach, extremely nice people, great food, excellent shopping.
Public toilets not too pleasant but that is their way of life - interesting neways!
Loved it and look forward to goin back!